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The Difficult Journey to Highly Sensitive (HSP) Discovery

May 12, 2025 · In: HSP Journey Lauren Hunter

Many of us have had a difficult journey on the path to understanding ourselves as highly sensitive people. We may have been misunderstood as children, and perhaps even as sensitive adults. We might have been bullied. We might have felt shame in how others treated us in regards to our sensitivities. Whatever the case, the difficult journey to Highly Sensitive (HSP) discovery is often a bumpy one.

Difficult Journey to Highly Sensitive Discovery

How do I know if I’m a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

A good place to begin is by taking one, or several, sensitivity quizzes to gauge your level of sensitivity. After going taking the quiz, sit with your results for a day or two. Contemplate them and see if it feels like a good fit. Often, I find that some people are sensitive in one or two areas, but not sensitive in many areas. You might have a close loved one who is emotionally sensitive, and yet insensitive in other areas. Taking a few different quizzes will help you determine if you’re on the sensitivity scale and how you compare to others who take the same test.

Some of the HSP questions include:

  • I am easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input.
  • I notice and enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, works of art.
  • When I was a child, my parents or teachers seemed to see me as sensitive or shy. (Questions taken from Dr. Aron’s test.)
The Difficult Journey to Highly Sensitive HSP Discovery Pinterest 2

What are the characteristics of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

HSPs typically prefer few close friends to large groups, are mostly introverted (extroverted HSPs are a rare unicorn), have sensitivity to light and sound, have lower pain tolerance, and have a rich, complex inner life that is somewhat hard to explain to a non-HSP. Out of all the profiles and quizzes, I find this complex inner life trait to be one of the best indications that someone is truly highly sensitive. If you have someone take Dr. Aron’s quiz and they start laughing or respond derogatorily to this question: beware, you are not dealing with an HSP. Another way to describe this complex inner life might be emotionally intense. Often highly gifted people are also intense with rich inner lives.

While many HSPs share similar characteristics, each person is completely unique with special God-given gifts and abilities. I’ve heard of some HSPs have deep connections with animals in a way similar to the Horse Whisperer–almost reading the minds of the animals they train. Others perhaps can deeply sense the energies of other people and seem almost as if they are mind readers (think of Deanna Troy from Star Trek). It’s important in all things not to compare yourself to other sensitive or empaths (another term often used synonymously for HSPs). It’s hard, but I find that the more I focus on uncovering my own unique gifts, talents, and sensitivities, the better human I become. When I compare myself to others, rarely are there any positive repercussions.

Lauren Hunter HSP-trained coach

Looking for an HSP-Trained coach to help you align your life with your priorities?

Through my Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) certification with the Nickerson Institute, as well as being an HSP, I offer HSP coaching to develop specific goals around your HSP needs. We HSPs frequently deal with anxiety and overstimulated nervous systems that prevent us from achieving peace and attaining our life goals. HSP coaching with me includes a detailed review of your sensitivities and a mutually-desired plan for growth and management of this superpower to shift negativity and begin seeing yourself as the hero of your own story. [Coaching packages start at $150 per month.]

Book a free 20-min session with lauren today

The Difficult Journey to Highly Sensitive (HSP) Discovery

Often the path we find ourselves taking is a windy road to uncovering that who we are is a Highly Sensitive Person. I always thought something was wrong with me. I felt alone before I discovered my HSP trait. I didn’t think I really belonged anywhere. It was a very lonely road until I found a close friend in my late teens who “ticked” as I did. To find a close friend or partner who truly understands you is a huge gift–one that many HSPs are still hoping to find.

On this road of HSP discovery, I ask you to be kind to yourself. Be tender. Befriend yourself. Trust yourself. There are few who can nurture you as well as you can nurture yourself. Next, look for an HSP community of like-minded people and begin to share, to trust, and to learn from each other.
This road to HSP discovery is long, it’s windy, but in the end, it’s rewarding.

Be sensitive, be free

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links*

By: Lauren Hunter · In: HSP Journey · Tagged: Difficult Journey to Highly Sensitive, Difficult journey to hsp discovery, Dr. Elaine Aron, high sensitivity, highly sensitive, highly sensitive man, highly sensitive person, highly sensitive person discovery, highly sensitive woman, hsp discovery, sensitive, sensitive discovery, sensitives

About Lauren Hunter

Just a few years ago, Lauren Hunter discovered that she was a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and suddenly so many things started making sense. She's been an author, poet, musician, and communication professional for over two decades and now enjoys exploring this HSP journey with others. She lives in Northern California with her husband and their four children. Her latest book is Write Your Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write Your Life Story Fast. Lauren is an HSP-trained coach and has completed her HSP Certification with the Nickerson Institute. Learn more about HSP coaching with Lauren today.

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